One Million Project issue 1 | Page 28

What role does the artist have in society?
There are many myths we like to believe about artists. They follow their own star, do their
own thing, regardless of the circumstances or the consequences. Artists are true, heroic and
selfish.
Being an artist in a society is not only about showing and selling and getting known; it's
about understanding your purpose, your calling, and about presenting yourself and your
work with unwavering confidence and conviction about who you are and what your art
stands for. Having a firm grasp of why you're in this and what compels you to make art is
key. Combined with a genuine willingness to experiment with new styles, subject matters
and techniques, to continually evolve and advance in your practice, and to reach out to
others in ever more creative ways- that is what it means not only survive, but also to thrive
and prosper as an artist.

What is an artistic outlook on life?
Creativity matters more than ever.

What art do you most identify with?
Oil painting.

Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?
I don't think artists must be lonely. I do think that artists are more susceptible, simply
because, as a group, our emotions are much closer to the surface, and are amplified in
ways others might not understand. I think that it's true that creation is a solitary profession, whether it's painting, writing, or music. Even when we collaborate with others, we
are essentially working alone, inside our own heads. I personally need my time alone to
create, but when the work is completed I like to spend time with people I love and care
about, it can be anything from cup of coffee, dinner, or travel abroad. Actually it's a
pretty normal thing for me to feel that I don't want to be around people, but at the
same time I have longing for meaningful interaction.

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